The Chattogram Development Authority (CDA) has celebrated World Habitat Day with colourful programmes and discussions, in line with the annual global observance. Since 1986, the United Nations has marked World Habitat Day on the first Monday of October each year.
On Monday morning, CDA launched its celebration with a vibrant rally and the release of balloons at its premises. This year’s theme, “Urban Crisis Response,” has been translated locally as “Planned Development for Urban Solutions.” CDA also set its own motto for the occasion: “Follow Building Codes, Build Planned Cities.”
Following the inauguration, a seminar and discussion were held in the CDA conference hall. CDA Chairman Engineer Md Nurul Karim presided over the event, with Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Dr Md Ziauddin attending as the chief guest. The session was conducted by CDA System Analyst Md Mostafa Jamal.
Speakers included former city planner architect Shahinul Islam Khan, who presented the keynote paper “Chattogram’s Role in Building a Sustainable Bangladesh: Past, Present and Future.” Other architects and engineers from CDA, alongside representatives from REHAB, the National Housing Authority and the Public Works Department, also took part.
Speakers highlighted CDA’s ongoing commitment to housing development and eliminating homelessness. Chief guest Dr Ziauddin stressed the importance of proper planning before undertaking development projects, including drainage, green spaces, water supply, roads, and recreation areas.
CDA Chairman Md Nurul Karim urged collective responsibility in building a sustainable and well-planned Chattogram for the future.
